Washington, D.C. - Today U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08), the representative of the area that includes Fort Bragg, spoke on the House floor in recognition of All American Week, the annual celebration of the 82nd Airborne Division’s mission and legacy.

“Mr. SPEAKER, I rise today because this week is All American Week, the annual celebration of the 82nd Airborne Division’s mission and the paratroopers who serve to uphold it.

Based in my district at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the 82nd Airborne Division is the Nation’s Global Response Force and can mobilize, land and strike in a moment’s notice. These rapid reaction forces put the ‘air’ in Airborne and are absolutely vital to our national security.

This year marks the division’s 100th anniversary, and it’s a special time for us to celebrate its incredible history as ‘America’s Guard of Honor.’

Since its inception, the 82nd Airborne Division has played a role in every major U.S. conflict around the world. It was nicknamed the ‘All American Division’ because of the unique and diverse group of soldiers who came together to form the division from all across the United States.

As the representative of Fort Bragg in Congress, I am so proud of the 82nd Airborne’s legacy, of our paratroopers and their families. They put country before self, and we are so grateful.

I will continue to work to ensure the critical installation remains the epicenter of the universe and the tip of the spear guaranteeing our national security.

As we celebrate All American Week this week, I ask my fellow Americans to join me in praying for service members stationed at Fort Bragg who are currently deployed and for their families here at home. We also remember our veterans who served in the 82nd Airborne Division, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Today’s paratroopers stand on the shoulders of these giants.